Craig Joubert announces retirement from Test refereeing

Referee Craig Joubert on Wednesday announced his retirement from 15-a-side refereeing to develop elite young match officials.

“This was not a decision I took lightly given the obvious lure of possibly refereeing the British & Irish Lions in New Zealand next year as well as the Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019,” said Joubert.

“However, the opportunity to make a difference in other peoples’ careers and lives is something which I’m excited about...

“This position gives me the opportunity to play a more formal role in sharing my experiences and developing referees and to have a positive influence on the lives and careers of other young referees.

“I am also thrilled that I will continue to referee on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series as we build our team of referees towards the Tokyo Olympics in 2020."

Joubert refereed the 2011 Rugby World Cup final as well as more than a century of Super Rugby matches and 80 Currie Cup matches.  He has also refereed 25 World Sevens series tournaments including 11 finals and the 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens final. 

He will take up his new position immediately in the New Year.